Magnificent 12: The Call

Magnificent 12: The Call By: Michael Grant

Mack has a problem, he cannot stop getting in trouble. And he loves to stick up for himself against the bullies. One day he embarrasses a bully really well, and knows that he is in for it. But a man name Grimluk comes into Mack's life, he tells Mack that he is there to take his place, because Mack is part of an ancient group that is going to have to fight a terrible evil. Mack is shocked and isn't quite sure that he should accept his destiny.

This was a great read for upper elementary and middle school readers. Full of action and adventure, that real kids can enjoy.  It was nice that Mack was not your typical hero, as he had a lot of average qualities.  I am hoping that my 4th grader will enjoy this series.

I borrowed this from the public library.
ISBN: 978-0-06-183366-33

Me and You

Me and You By: Genevieve Cote

This is the story of a pig and a rabbit that are the best of friends. They enjoy spending time with each other and want to be like each other. They wish for the other's gifts, the pig wants the rabbit's long ears, the rabbit wants the pig's button nose.  But then they realize that those are the things they like about the other, and being yourself is what makes each other special. I love this simple book about being you!

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-1-55453-446-3

Salvage

Salvage By: Alexandra Duncan

Ava has only ever lived aboard the ship that her father is captain of. She knows nothing of life anywhere else.  She would love to be able to read and work to fix things aboard the ship, but that is not what girls are meant to do.  She finds out that she is to be married and is anxious to see whom to, and nervous to leave the ship she has always lived on.  When she finds out that she is to marry her friend, Luck, she is excited. But things are not what they seem, and Ava makes a mistake that changes her life forever. She escapes to Earth to survive, and finds that life on Earth is not easy either. She is able to find her way there, and the things she always thought were important become not so much any more.

This was a good read. Perfect for young adults. It was a great story of a girl who has to find a way to take care of herself, when those around her push her out. I found that her struggles to become who she is meant to be, true to anyone who is forced to grow up.

I borrowed this from the public library.
ISBN: 978-0-06-222014-1

Agate

Agate By: Joy Morgan Dey and Nikki Johnson

Agate thinks he is not a good moose, and that there is no use for him.  He is very sad, but loves his friends and thinks that all of them are very special for different reasons. We get to meet all these colorful friends like, Diamond the giraffe, Emerald the lion, and Peridot the porcupine. Each animal feels that they are not special, but in the end they realize that they each have their own gifts. Great read for elementary school because in addition to learning that you are all special, you learn all the great names of precious gems.  Loved it.

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-942235-73-9

Ten Rules You Must Not Break if You Want to Survive the School Bus

Ten Rules You Must Not Break if You Want to Survive the School Bus
By: John Grandits Illustrated By: Michael Allen Austin

Kyle is scared to ride the bus.  But his big brother fills him in on the rules that he has to follow to make sure that he is safe on the bus.  This advice is definitely going to help him, but Kyle does not follow the rules very well and breaks every single one. This does not turn out as he expects though, and he learns that maybe his brother doesn't know everything.  This is a great book for any elementary age reader, and perfect for kids who have to ride the bus for the first time.

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-618-78822-4

Code Talkers

Code Talkers By: Joseph Bruchac

This is a novel about the Navajo people that became the code talkers during WWII.  It starts with their journey to the boarding schools where they were forced to give up their native language and ways to become more like the white people.  Some of the men and women went into the marines.  Because of their fierce loyalty and dedication, the Navajo people made very good soldiers.  When the United States needed a code to block the enemy from learning their plans they turned to the Navajo Marines to make a code that only the US could understand.

I really loved this book. I always find historical fiction intriguing.  It makes me sad the way we as a country treated people when we came to their land, and their homes.  I also found this story, told as a grandfather would tell his grandchildren fascinating. A young boy who has been treated badly by soldiers decides to fight for the country that tried to change him, and does a great job doing it.

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 0-14-240596-5

Because of Mr. Terupt

Because of Mr. Terupt By: Rob Buyea

This book tells the story of Mr. Terupt's fifth grade class. We meet his students and they tell their side of the classroom story. Peter wants to make sure that he gets away with things because their teacher is new. Alexis likes to start the girl drama war. Danielle wants people to be her friend and hates being fat. The teaching style of Mr. Terupt finds a way to connect all the kids and changes the way they each think of school. But one day there is an accident that changes everything.

I honestly don't know how I feel about this book. I loved the way we got to know each student, and saw the class from their opinion.  As a fifth grade teacher, I always wonder how I come across to students. The way the accident plays out, and then the end of the book had me thinking hard about the whole story. What if something like that happened? How would students handle it?  Maybe the vision of my own students going through that made me think twice.  I don't know, it just made me sad.

I borrowed this book from a friend.
ISBN: 978-0-375-85824-6